Welcome to the
March/April issue of Equip for Ministry. We have enjoyed
putting together this issue for many reasons. The articles focused
our attention on the Bible, the bedrock of our faith. Deciding
which books to review and call to our readers’ attention was an
edifying challenge.
Dr.
Bryan Chappell, no stranger to our readership and the PCA, allowed
us to print and abridged version of a message on the Bible (see
the lead article and the editor’s note). We had the privilege of
hearing Dr. Chappell deliver this message and were convicted by
his call to think more seriously and clearly about the Bible, our
only infallible rule of faith and life. As we stated in the
editor’s note, the special occasion for that message was the
public presentation of the latest translation of the Bible, The
English Standard Version. We believe it will be the version
used by reformed and evangelical Christians.
We
believe the ESV offers the best of all worlds as far as
Bible translations are concerned. Unlike some of the modern
translations and paraphrases, it reflects a more formal, yet not
stiff, style for reading. A number of PCA churches already use it
as their pew Bible and preachers and teachers use it in their
ministries. Having read some of the early manuscripts of the ESV,
I looked forward with much anticipation to its availability.
I
encourage you to read the “In Case You’re Asked” article in
this Equip. It follows a different format this time, combining a
book review with an answer to a question. The book is by Leland
Ryken, a member of the ESV translation team. As you read
the article and hopefully his book, you will see why we believe
the ESV is such a welcomed edition to the family of
translations.
Historically,
Christians have been referred to as “people of the Book.” That
should be more of reality and practice than simply an abstract
statement. Dr. Chappell encourages us to be students of the Word.
We need to read and know the Bible as thoroughly as we possibly
can and make it a life-long process. Part of the church’s
failure has been its lack of understanding and application of
God’s written Word. Biblical illiteracy should not be a
characteristic of today’s Christians.
The
PCA was founded on a strong and clear statement of the sufficiency
and completeness of Scripture. It has been the major factor in our
growth over the last twenty-eight years. It is preached and taught
throughout the church. We want to encourage our readers to be
faithful disciples of the Word. Along with a focus on the Bible,
you will also find in this issue several books reviewed that we
believe are important ministry resources. Each one selected offers
some practical help to those in ministry.
The
“Equip Tip” article highlights the importance of the role of
the home and family in Christian development. Bob Edmiston, our
coordinator of training, has offered some pragmatic advice on this
topic.
You
will also find information regarding CE/P events and resources
that we believe you will want to know about. We also encourage you
to visit our website for the latest updates in conferences,
schedules, and the many resources available to you. Both the
bookstore website and the video library department have many
things that can be used in local ministry.
Equip
for Ministry is our
bi-monthly publication to assist us in following up on our various
ministries and to introduce you to them. One pastor wrote to us
last year, after his visit to our office, that CE&P is the
best-kept secret in the PCA. Our response was simply that we do
not intend for that to be the case. We encourage those of you who
read EFM to pass it on to others that may benefit from it,
elders, deacons, women in the church, youth and children’s
workers, Christian education and discipleship committees.
Charles
Dunahoo
Coordinator
CE/P
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